Contradictions

Kali is interesting to me, because she is simultaneously very curious about the outside world, yet frightened to engage with some parts of it.

From working with other initially-scared dogs, I expected Kali to be distrustful of anything new or different. But that isn't the case! She isn't scared by loud noises (trains or car horns) or bad weather and she loves going on walks. While initially the car was scary, she now seems to actively enjoy both the ride, and the promise of new destinations. She's curious about what goes on outside my fence and is the first dog in my pack to approach when it's something new. She likes other dogs and is confident about meeting them - as she settles in, she's increasingly dominant with dogs (but not inappropriate).

Yet she is also wary of new people - I suspect she wasn't treated well in her prior home and so any approach by a new person that seems threatening (eye contact, direct approach, hand over her head) puts her on high alert. She isn't aggressive, but she does give a lot of warnings to stay back (bristling, growling, barking), until she's sure you're a friend. Usually this takes until the second or third meeting, but people who understand scared dogs and don't challenge her often never activate her distrust.

I'm working to desensitize her to new people, which involves outings around people who will ignore her, and rewards for curiosity and non-fearful behavior. That she considers new experiences a reward in themselves is very helpful in this process, and she's become a star of her training class as a result!

Breakfast Routine

Kali has become a pro at distinguishing "ok" from other words.

At this point, her meal routine is that she sits (well, she does still spin a few times) at a bit of a distance from the baby gate. Once I enter the room and make sure she's paying attention and calm, I tell her to "load up", at which point she leaps into her crate and sits facing me, eagerly anticipating her food. I place the bowl in front of her and she looks away from it, then back at me.

At that point, I say a word - anything except "ok" - and she determinedly looks away (up and to the right) while quickly licking her lips. Then she looks back at me, I say another word, same routine. Only once I say "ok" does she dive into the food bowl.

It's cute - she concentrates soooo hard and seems to be avoiding the temptation of even looking at the food until she's allowed to have it.

The Velveteen Puppy

When I met Kali, her hair was dry and brittle. Petting her was lot like rubbing dry grass. Now, though, she shines! Literally. Her coat is beautiful and her head feels like velvet.

Smiling

Happy girl!

Spa Day

Today was a spa day for Kali - mani-pedi, hair wash, and overall massage. I can't say it was her favorite thing, but she was nicely tolerant and her coat shines!